J.Barbey j'Aurevilly — Du Dandysme Et de Georges Brummell

Paris, Alphonse Lemerre, 1879. Leather. A biography of Georges Brummell in which the author defends the dandy lifestyle. A biography of Georges Brummell in which the author defends the dandy lifestyle. With an engraved frontispiece. Third Edition. First published in 1845, this work is not only a biography but also a philosophical essay. A mixture of historical and anecdotal details it covers the life of Georges Brummell, an iconic figure of regency England. Brummell was a close friend of the Prince Regent, the future King George IV. His style of dress, consisted of understated, but perfectly tailored garments, rejecting the overly ornate fashions of the day. He wore long black coats, full length trousers with pristine shirts and cravats, a forerunner of the modern men's suits. This mode of dress, often referred to as dandyism, he established as a fashion. After living a lavish lifestyle, mixing with aristocratic society he was forced in 1816 to flee to France to escape debtors prison, and eventually died there of syphilis in an asylum, aged sixty two. In a half morocco binding. Externally is very smart with some slight rubbing. The corners have suffered some light bumping. There is minor fading to the spine. Internally firmly bound with bright and clean pages. Previous owner's bookplate to front pastedown. Very Good . Ill.: Not Stated. Very Good .